By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Oct 28: Police have arrested nine men aged between 16 and 73 in connection with a series of grave-breaking cases in Miri, with investigations leading to the resolution of 15 reported cases.
Acting Sarawak Police Commissioner DCP Saifullizan Ishak said the suspects, all Malaysian citizens, were arrested during a special operation conducted by the Miri District Police Headquarters’ Criminal Investigation Department (CID) from Oct 11 to 17.
“Three of the nine suspects had previous criminal records, while urine screening tests conducted on all of them returned negative results.
“One of the suspects is believed to have resumed the same criminal activity after being released from prison, where he had served a one-year sentence for a similar offence. The suspect allegedly recruited several friends to join him in carrying out the grave-breaking activities,” he said when speaking at a press conference at the Sarawak Police Contingent Headquarters today.
Police seized various items believed to be connected to the cases, including a hammer, a screwdriver, jewellery, rings, earrings, chains, old coins and a bracelet, with the jewellery reportedly worth RM36,000.
Other items seized included copies of hotel and purchase receipts, which could assist investigators in their inquiries.
Saifullizan said the cases were being investigated under Section 297 of the Penal Code, which deals with trespassing on burial places and other acts involving the disturbance of human remains.
Upon conviction, an offender may face imprisonment for up to one year, a fine, or both.
He stressed that police would continue to take firm action against individuals suspected of involvement in criminal activities, in accordance with the law.
Members of the public with information on criminal incidents are urged to contact the police to assist efforts to prevent and detect crime. — DayakDaily
